U.S. patent number 10,760,371 [Application Number 16/057,972] was granted by the patent office on 2020-09-01 for system for limiting radial expansion of an expandable seal.
This patent grant is currently assigned to BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Matthew J. Krueger, Mahmoud M. Marzouk. Invention is credited to Matthew J. Krueger, Mahmoud M. Marzouk.
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United States Patent |
10,760,371 |
Krueger , et al. |
September 1, 2020 |
System for limiting radial expansion of an expandable seal
Abstract
A seal system for downhole use in a surrounding tubular includes
a seal support including a frusto-conical surface, and a seal
member positioned about the seal support. The seal member includes
a seal support member including first side having a recess, a
second, opposing side, and a seal element coupled to the second,
opposing side. The seal element is engageable with the surrounding
tubular. An expansion limiter is arranged between the seal support
and the seal member. The expansion limiter is positioned in the
recess of the seal support member to limit axial movement of the
seal member relative to the frusto-conical surface.
Inventors: |
Krueger; Matthew J. (Spring,
TX), Marzouk; Mahmoud M. (Rosharon, TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Krueger; Matthew J.
Marzouk; Mahmoud M. |
Spring
Rosharon |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
(Houston, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
69405665 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/057,972 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200048982 A1 |
Feb 13, 2020 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B
33/1208 (20130101); E21B 33/128 (20130101); E21B
33/10 (20130101); E21B 2200/01 (20200501) |
Current International
Class: |
E21B
33/12 (20060101); E21B 33/128 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion for International
Application No. PCT/US2019/040756; filed Jul. 8, 2019; dated Oct.
23, 2019 (pp. 1-9). cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Coy; Nicole
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A seal system for downhole use in a surrounding tubular, the
seal system comprising: a seal support including a frusto-conical
surface; a seal member positioned about the seal support, the seal
member including a seal support member including first side having
a recess, a second, opposing side, and elastomeric seal element
being engageable with the surrounding tubular; and an expansion
limiter arranged between and in contact with the seal support and
the seal support member, the expansion limiter being positioned in
the recess of the seal support member to limit axial movement of
the seal member relative to the frusto-conical surface.
2. The seal system according to claim 1, wherein the second,
opposing side includes a plurality of ribs supporting the
elastomeric seal element.
3. The seal system according to claim 1, wherein the expansion
limiter includes a plurality of segments.
4. The seal system according to claim 3, wherein one or more of the
plurality of segments include straight end surfaces.
5. The seal system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of
segments are joined through one or more expansion joints.
6. The seal system according to claim 1, further comprising:
another seal member arranged directly adjacent the seal member,
wherein the expansion limiter mechanically connects the seal member
and the another seal member.
7. The seal system according to claim 6, wherein the another seal
member includes another seal support member having a first side
including a recess, a second, opposing side, and a seal element
coupled to the second, opposing side, the seal element being
engageable with the surrounding tubular.
8. The seal system according to claim 7, wherein the expansion
limiter includes a first radially projecting tab arranged in the
recess of the seal member and another radially projecting tab
arranged in the recess of the another seal member.
9. A resource exploration and recovery system comprising: a first
system; and a second system including a tubular string extending
through a surrounding tubular; a seal including a seal support
connected to the tubular string, the seal support having a
frusto-conical surface; a seal member positioned about the seal
support, the seal member including a seal support member including
first side having recess, a second, opposing side, and elastomeric
seal element coupled to the second, opposing side, the elastomeric
seal element being engageable with the surrounding tubular; and an
expansion limiter arranged between and in contact with the seal
support and the seal member, the expansion limiter being positioned
in the recess of the seal support member to limit axial movement of
the seal member relative to the frusto-conical surface.
10. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
9, wherein the second, opposing side includes a plurality of ribs
supporting the elastomeric seal element.
11. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
9, wherein the expansion limiter includes a plurality of
segments.
12. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
11, wherein one or more of the plurality of segments include
straight end surfaces.
13. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
11, wherein the plurality of segments are joined through one or
more expansion joints.
14. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
9, further comprising: another seal member arranged directly
adjacent the seal member, wherein the expansion limiter
mechanically connects the seal member and the another seal
member.
15. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
14, wherein the another seal member includes another seal support
member having a first side including a recess, a second, opposing
side, and seal element coupled to the second, opposing side, the
seal element being engageable with the surrounding tubular.
16. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
15, wherein the expansion limiter includes a first radially
projecting tab arranged in the recess of the seal member and
another radially projecting tab arranged in the recess of the
another seal member.
Description
BACKGROUND
In the resource exploration and recovery industry, seals are often
used to limit fluid flow through and between various components of
a drill string and/or a casing tubular. In some cases, the seal
includes a sealing member coupled to a support. The support is
shifted along a conical surface resulting in radial expansion of
the sealing member. Radial expansion of the seal brings the sealing
member into contact with a structure positioned adjacent to, and
radially outwardly of, the conical surface.
In some instances, it is desirable to limit radial expansion of the
seal. Limiting radial expansion may reduce stress that could result
in cracking of the steel support and, ultimately lead to a loss of
sealing capability. Various designs have been used to limit seal
expansion. For example, some systems rely on rings that may extend
about an outer diameter of the sealing member. In some cases, the
rings may nest with gaps formed between adjacent ribs of the
sealing member.
In such designs all interactions are between metallic components,
e.g., the conical surface and the support, and the ring, and the
casing. Metal to metal interactions may limit an over efficacy of
seal integrity. That is, as a setting force is applied, the sealing
member begins to conform to the inner surface of the casing or
other tubular. As the sealing member conforms, the ring contacts
the inner surface of the casing to prevent over expansion. However,
once ring contact is established, the sealing member ceases to
further conform. Therefore, the art would be appreciative of an
expansion limiter for a seal that allows a sealing member to
continue to conform to a sealing surface as radial expansion is
being limited.
SUMMARY
Disclosed is a seal system for downhole use in a surrounding
tubular, the seal system including a seal support including a
frusto-conical surface, and a seal member positioned about the seal
support. The seal member includes a seal support member including
first side having a recess, a second, opposing side, and a seal
element coupled to the second, opposing side. The seal element is
engageable with the surrounding tubular. An expansion limiter is
arranged between the seal support and the seal member. The
expansion limiter is positioned in the recess of the seal support
member to limit axial movement of the seal member relative to the
frusto-conical surface.
Also disclosed is a resource exploration and recovery system
including a first system, and a second system having a tubular
string extending through a surrounding tubular. A seal including a
seal support is connected to the tubular string. The seal support
has a frusto-conical surface. A seal member is positioned about the
seal support. The seal member includes a seal support member
including a first side having recess, a second, opposing side, and
a seal element coupled to the second, opposing side. The seal
element is engageable with the surrounding tubular. An expansion
limiter is arranged between the seal support and the seal member.
The expansion limiter is positioned in the recess of the seal
support member to limit axial movement of the seal member relative
to the frusto-conical surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any
way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are
numbered alike:
FIG. 1 depicts a resource exploration and recovery system including
a system for limiting radial expansion of an expandable seal
member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an expandable seal member
and an expansion limiter, in accordance with an exemplary
aspect;
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an expansion limiter, in
accordance with an exemplary aspect;
FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an expandable seal member
including two expansion limiters, in accordance with another aspect
of an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of two expandable seal
members mechanically linked by an expansion limiter in an un-set
configuration, in accordance with yet another aspect of an
exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of two expandable seal
members mechanically linked by an expansion limiter in a set
configuration, in accordance with yet another aspect of an
exemplary embodiment
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the expansion limiter of FIG.
5, in accordance with an exemplary aspect; and
FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the expansion limiter of FIG.
5, in accordance with another aspect of an exemplary aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed
apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification
and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
A resource exploration and recovery system, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment, is indicated generally at 10, in FIG. 1.
Resource exploration and recovery system 10 should be understood to
include well drilling operations, completions, resource extraction
and recovery, CO.sub.2 sequestration, and the like. Resource
exploration and recovery system 10 may include a first system 14
which, in some environments, may take the form of a surface system
16 operatively and fluidically connected to a second system 18
which, in some environments, may take the form of a downhole
system.
First system 14 may include a control system 23 that may provide
power to, monitor, communicate with, and/or activate one or more
downhole operations as will be discussed herein. Surface system 16
may include additional systems such as pumps, fluid storage
systems, cranes and the like (not shown). Second system 18 may
include a tubular string 30 that extends into a wellbore 34 formed
in formation 36. Wellbore 34 includes an annular wall 38 which may
be defined by a surface of formation 36, or, in the embodiment
shown, by a casing tubular 40.
Tubular string 30 may be formed by a series of interconnected
discrete tubulars, or by a single tubular that could take the form
of coiled tubing. Tubular string 30 supports a seal system 46 that
may be selectively set to isolate one portion of wellbore 34 from
another. While only a single seal system is shown, it should be
understood that multiple seal systems may be employed to create a
number of fluidically isolated zones along tubular string 30.
In an embodiment, seal system 46 includes an expandable seal member
48 and an expansion limiter 52. Expansion limiter 52 limits radial
outward expansion of expandable seal member 48. Referring to FIG.
2, tubular string 30 includes a seal support 58 having a radial
outer frusto-conical surface 60. Annular wall 38 defines a radial
inner surface 62. Expandable seal member 48 is posited between and
activated to seal against radial outer frusto-conical surface 60
and inner surface 62.
In an embodiment, expandable seal member 48 includes a seal support
member 70 having a first side 72 and a second, opposing side 74.
Seal support member 70 may be formed from a material that is
annealed to promote elongation (expansion) with relatively low
expansion forces. First side 72 includes a first recess 79 and a
second recess 81. A seal 84, shown in the form of an O-ring, is
arranged in second recess 81. It should be understood that seal 84
may take on various formed including molded elastomer members. Seal
84 seals against radially outer frusto-conical surface 60 of seal
support 58. Seal support 58 could take the form of a mandrel.
Second side 74 includes a plurality of ribs 88 that project
outwardly of seal support member 70. Ribs 88 support a seal element
90 formed from an elastomer 94 that is selectively urged against
radial inner surface 62 of casing tubular 40.
In an embodiment, expansion limiter 52 nests within first recess
79. As expandable seal member 48 is shifted along outer radial
frusto-conical surface 60, seal support member 70 expands forcing
seal element 90 into contact with radial inner surface 62. More
specifically, axially shifting seal system 46 along outer radial
frusto-conical surface 60 causes seal support member 70 to expand
thereby allowing seal element 90 to be forced against and conform
to any irregularities in radial inner surface 62 to form a robust
seal. Expansion limiter 52 prevents seal support member 70 from
expanding beyond selected dimensions in order to maintain
compressive forces on seal element 90 below predetermined
limits.
In an embodiment, expansion limiter 52 may be formed from a
material that possess a stiffness and hardness greater than that of
seal support member 70. For example, expansion limiter may be
formed from wrought low alloy steels. As shown in FIG. 3, expansion
limiter 52 is formed from a number of segments including a first
segment 100, a second segment 102, and a third segment 104. The
number of segments may vary. Segments 100, 102, 104 are arranged in
an annulus with end portions (not separately labeled) having
straight end surfaces 108, 110, and 11:2. Of course, segments may
include end portions having different geometries including those
forming expansion joints as will be discussed herein.
Expansion limiter 52 operates to increase contact pressure between
seal element 90 and radial inner surface 62 as seal support member
70 travels over outer radial frusto-conical surface 60. The
increase in contact pressure acts as a stop limiting the travel of
seal support member 70. The increase in contact pressure also
enhances seal ability of seal system 46. At this point, it should
be understood that while shown as being generally rectangular, the
cross-section of the expansion limiter may vary.
Reference will now follow to FIG. 4, wherein like reference numbers
represent corresponding parts in the respective views, in
describing an expandable seal member 120 in accordance with another
aspect of an exemplary embodiment. Expandable seal member 120
includes a seal support member 122 having a first side 124 and an
opposing second side 126. First side 124 includes a first recess
128, a second recess 130 and a third recess 132 that is receptive
of an O-ring seal. 1.34.
Second side 126 includes a plurality of ribs 138 that support, a
seal element 140 formed from an elastomer 142. In an embodiment, a
first expansion limiter 145 is arranged in first recess 128 and a
second expansion limiter 147 is arranged in second recess 130.
First and second expansion limiters 145 and 147 limit travel of
seal support member 122 over outer radial frusto-conical surface 60
in a manner similar to that discussed herein.
Reference will now follow FIGS. 5 and 6, wherein like reference
numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views, in
describing a seal system 154 in accordance with another aspect of
an exemplary embodiment. Seal system 154 includes a first
expandable seal member 158 mechanically connected to a second
expandable seal member 160. First expandable seal member 158
includes a first seal support member 164 having a first side 166
and an opposing second side 168. First side 166 includes a first
recess 170 and a second recess 172 that may be receptive of a seal
174, shown in the form of an O-ring. In a manner similar to that
discussed herein, seal 174 may take on various forms including
molded elastomer members. Second side 168 includes a plurality of
ribs 176 that supports a seal element 178.
Second expandable seal member 160 includes a second seal support
member 184 having a first side 186 and an opposing second side 188,
First side 186 includes a first recess 190 and a second recess 192
that may be receptive of a seal 194 shown in the form of an O-ring.
As discussed herein, seal 194 may take on various forms including
molded elastomer members. Second side 188 includes a plurality of
ribs 198 that support a seal element 200. An expansion limiter 208
mechanically connects first seal support member 164 with second
seal support member 184. Expansion limiter 208 includes a first
outwardly projecting tab 212 and a second outwardly projecting tab
214 joined by a central web 215. First outwardly projecting tab 212
extends into first recess 170 of first seal support member 164 and
second outwardly projecting tab 214 extends into first recess 190
of second seal support member 184.
In FIG. 7, expansion limiter 208 is shown formed from multiple
segments including a first segment 218, a second segment 220, and a
third segment 222. The number of segments may vary. Segments 218,
220, and 222 are arranged in an annulus with end portions (not
separately labeled) having straight end surfaces 225, 226, and
228.
FIG. 8 depicts an expansion limiter 240 including a first outwardly
projecting tab 242 and a second outwardly projecting tab 244
connected through a central web 245. Expansion limiter 240 is
formed from multiple segments including a first segment 250, a
second segment 252, a third segment 254, a fourth segment 256, a
fifth segment 258, and a sixth segment 260. The number of segments
may vary. Segments 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, and 260 are arranged in
an annulus with end portions (not separately labeled) defining
expansion joints 270, 272, 274, 276, and 278 that accommodate
radial expansion of first and second seal supports 164 and 184.
Although not shown, the expansion limiters described herein may be
provided with a coating, including particles that enhance grip with
outer radial frusto-conical surface 60. It should also be
understood that the expansion limiters allow the seal elements to
fully contact and conform to the inner surface of the casing
tubular (or other tubular) thereby enhancing seal integrity.
Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing
disclosure:
Embodiment 1
A seal system for downhole use in a surrounding tubular, the seal
system comprising a seal support including a frusto-conical
surface; a seal member positioned about the seal support, the seal
member including a seal support member including first side having
a recess, a second, opposing side, and a seal element coupled to
the second, opposing side, the a seal element being engageable with
the surrounding tubular; and an expansion limiter arranged between
the seal support and the seal member, the expansion limiter being
positioned in the recess of the seal support member to limit axial
movement of the seal member relative to the frusto-conical
surface.
Embodiment 2
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the
second, opposing side includes a plurality of ribs supporting the
seal element.
Embodiment 3
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the seal
element is formed from an elastomer.
Embodiment 4
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the
expansion limiter includes a plurality of segments.
Embodiment 5
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, wherein one or
more of the plurality of segments include straight end
surfaces.
Embodiment 6
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the
plurality of segments are joined through one or more expansion
joints.
Embodiment 7
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, further
comprising: another seal member arranged directly adjacent the seal
member, wherein the expansion limiter mechanically connects the
seal member and the another seal member.
Embodiment 8
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the
another seal member includes another seal support member having a
first side including a recess, a second, opposing side, and a seal
element coupled to the second, opposing side, the seal element
being engageable with the surrounding tubular.
Embodiment 9
The seal system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the
expansion limiter includes a first radially projecting tab arranged
in the recess of the seal member and another radially projecting
tab arranged in the recess of the another seal member.
Embodiment 10
A resource exploration and recovery system comprising a first
system; and a second system including a tubular string extending
through a surrounding tubular; a seal including a seal support
connected to the tubular string, the seal support having a
frusto-conical surface; a seal member positioned about the seal
support, the seal member including a seal support member including
first side having recess, a second, opposing side, and a seal
element coupled to the second, opposing side, the seal element
being engageable with the surrounding tubular; and an expansion
limiter arranged between the seal support and the seal member, the
expansion limiter being positioned in the recess of the seal
support member to limit axial movement of the seal member relative
to the frusto-conical surface.
Embodiment 11
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, wherein the second, opposing side includes a plurality
of ribs supporting the seal element.
Embodiment 12
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, wherein the seal element is formed from an
elastomer.
Embodiment 13
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, wherein the expansion limiter includes a plurality of
segments.
Embodiment 14
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, wherein one or more of the plurality of segments
include straight end surfaces.
Embodiment 15
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, wherein the plurality of segments are joined through
one or more expansion joints.
Embodiment 16
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, further comprising: another seal member arranged
directly adjacent the seal member, wherein the expansion limiter
mechanically connects the seal member and the another seal
member.
Embodiment 17
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, wherein the another seal member includes another seal
support member having a first side including a recess, a second,
opposing side, and seal element coupled to the second, opposing
side, the seal element being engageable with the surrounding
tubular.
Embodiment 18
The resource exploration and recovery system according to any prior
embodiment, wherein the expansion limiter includes a first radially
projecting tab arranged in the recess of the seal member and
another radially projecting tab arranged in the recess of the
another seal member.
The terms "about" and "substantially" are intended to include the
degree of error associated with measurement of the particular
quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing
the application. For example, "about" and/or "substantially" can
include a range of .+-.8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.
The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents
in the context of describing the invention (especially in the
context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both
the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should be noted that
the terms "first," "second," and the like herein do not denote any
order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish
one element from another.
The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of
well operations. These operations may involve using one or more
treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident in a
formation, a wellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such as
production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of
liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof.
Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to,
fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion
agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers,
demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well
operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing,
stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam
injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.
While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in
the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed
exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms
may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a
generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of
limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so
limited.
* * * * *